By Gary Anderson

November 21 - Paralympic star Ellie Simmonds will be looking to make a splash in Sheffield this weekend © Getty Images A host of British Paralympic and world gold medallists, including Ellie Simmonds, Amy Marren and Josef Craig, will take to the water at Sheffield's Ponds Forge International Sports Centre this weekend for the National Open Short Course Championships.

Organised by Disability Sport Events (DSE), a programme run by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS), and British Swimming, the Championships will also feature the likes of London 2012 champions Jessica-Jane Applegate, Oliver Hynd and Jonathan Fox along with past Paralympic champions such as Sascha Kindred and Matt Walker.

Kindred, who has competed at five Paralympic Games winning three gold medals apiece in breaststroke and individual medley events at Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, is looking forward to testing himself in other disciplines this weekend.

"I'm not competing in any of my main events this weekend so to get some solid swims in new events would be nice," said the 35-year-old nine-time world champion.

"I am working on my freestyle for my medley and also trying something new.

"My 400 metre free should be competitive as long as I can complete it.

"But I'm also looking forward to seeing Josef Craig and Jon Fox in the S7 400m freestyle.

"That should be a great race."

Six-time Paralympic champion Sascha Kindred is looking to try out new events in Sheffield this weekend © Getty Images Six-time Paralympic champion Sascha Kindred is looking to try out new events in Sheffield this weekend © Getty Images

























At the other end of the experience scale is 15-year-old Marren who will be looking to finish off a fantastic year which saw her announce herself on the world stage in spectacular fashion at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Swimming World Championships in Montreal.

The young Londoner claimed six World Championship medals including golds in the SM9 200m individual medley, S9 100m butterfly and the 4x100m freestyle and medley relays.

"This weekend I'm looking for some good times and strong swims," said Marren, who did not win a medal at London 2012.

"I am going to Sao Paulo in Brazil on Monday (November 25) for the Brazilian School Games, so I'm looking to use this as a good meet ahead of that.

"All the events are getting more competitive now as there are good swimmers coming through all the time.

"Swimming has always been a competitive sport so it's important to stay on top of your game."

Amy Marren will be looking to round off a great year which has seen her claim for world titles © Getty Images Amy Marren will be looking to round off a great year which has seen her claim for world titles © Getty Images
























The Championships run over three sessions on Saturday and Sunday November 23 and 24, and entry is free.